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Following all the helpful advise I got here I decided to forget about buying a Thickness Sander--for now-- and that a router table would be a more sensible and cheaper investment. I have a router table on the way but now need to decide on a suitable router so just wondering is there a standard make /model/size you guys go with, or do I take a chance and buy whatever fits my half empty pocket. Its just that I see advertised: a makita 12mm 110-60hz--1800 watt 2000 r/min
Its nearly new apparently. I live in Ireland and I'm already wondering if the 110v will mean I need a transformer -- but apart from that does it sound like it will do the job ?

Any help appreciated
Rusty

If your mains supply is 240v in Ireland then the voltage for most of the home DIY routers in the shops will also be 240v. As for cost you should consider how often you are going to be using the router and router table. I use mine very rarely so a cheaper model will last as long as a professional, and more expensive, one that is in full time use by a workman. These would be the 110 volt models which use a step down transformer. I use my Laminate trimmer much more, and also have it in my binding jig, so I spent more on that and purchased a De Walt with the accesory guides.
If money is an issue take a look around the boot sales if they have them in Ireland. Routers often turn up for as little as £10. Laminate trimmers less often. Avoid anything that looks well used, just consider at the ones that look almost new. Always ask why they are selling them. 'I bought it for one job' and 'I never use it' are good reasons.

I also read the comments on planer thicknessers as I have one, but I haven't used it yet. After considering the expert advice I'm going to get some wide pine and try taking it down bit by bit (mine reduces by .5mm quarter each quarter turn of the height handle) until the board begins to fracture or start looking rough. Then I'll know how low I can safely go on a top with the thicknesser, and from that point on use a block plane or a sanding board to make any further thickness reduction.

Dave Sayers wrote:If your mains supply is 240v in Ireland then the voltage for most of the home DIY routers in the shops will also be 240v. As for cost you should consider how often you are going to be using the router and router table. I use mine very rarely so a cheaper model will last as long as a professional, and more expensive, one that is in full time use by a workman. These would be the 110 volt models which use a step down transformer. I use my Laminate trimmer much more, and also have it in my binding jig, so I spent more on that and purchased a De Walt with the accesory guides.
If money is an issue take a look around the boot sales if they have them in Ireland. Routers often turn up for as little as £10. Laminate trimmers less often. Avoid anything that looks well used, just consider at the ones that look almost new. Always ask why they are selling them. 'I bought it for one job' and 'I never use it' are good reasons.

I also read the comments on planer thicknessers as I have one, but I haven't used it yet. After considering the expert advice I'm going to get some wide pine and try taking it down bit by bit (mine reduces by .5mm quarter each quarter turn of the height handle) until the board begins to fracture or start looking rough. Then I'll know how low I can safely go on a top with the thicknesser, and from that point on use a block plane or a sanding board to make any further thickness reduction.

Many Thanks for that advise Dave,